No Job? GET LOST! (From the upfront magazine)

What is one of the main reasons for the existence of poor people in the world? What is the reason that they have no food, no shelter, and no money to support themselves? Well, probably because they have no jobs to earn money. “No job? GET LOST!”, by Andrew Higgins is an article generally about the economics in Svalbard, Norway. The author talks further into unemployed people and the government there. Something that stood out to me was how the unique rules are applied to unemployed people.

Andrew Higgins utilized many facts and details to show the significance of the environment and regulations in Svalbard. He tries to convince us Svalbard as the almost-perfect society. He used imagery and loaded words to make the readers feel how it is a relaxing place to live in. For example, he says, “Norway’s northernmost territory, Svalbard has a police force with just six officers and a single jail cell for an area twice the size of New Jersey. But even that is overkill…” In other words, imagining such a small jail cell for Svalbard shows us that there are barely any crimes committed in Svalbard. It is the “closest thing to a crime-free society”. Moreover, the rule enforced by the governor  made everyone in this territory have jobs which makes poor people non-existence in Svalbard. This makes less tension, less anxiety, and even less danger. To prove Svalbard’ safety, Higgins says, “Residents regularly leave their car and snow mobile keys in the ignition and don't bother locking their front doors. Coffee shop patrons leave their computers unattended, never worrying they might get stolen.” Clearly, people, who do not really care about their doors left open or their computers left unlocked, surely feel safe in their environment. To add on, polar bears cause most of the problems. Additionally, Higgins also says, “The country prides itself on being a “welfare state”, in which the government provides cradle-to-grave support.” Higgins is clearly supporting the amazing government in Svalbard. This not only shows us the huge support we would get from the government in Svalbard but it also shows us the ways the government is trying to keep his residents satisfied. Well, with so positive many things ensured in Svalbard, why not live there?

Furthermore, from this article, I have realized that government has a huge role in our lives. It gives us help, support, and regulations that would make our society a better place to live in. I also realized that people mostly commit crimes when they are in desperate need for something that would help them survive. However, when everyone has jobs why would there be any crimes? In some way, I also feel that the government of Svalbard made a rightful choice for the residents in Svalbard. Giving only employed people the right to live in Svalbard gives everyone an opportunity to lead a better life. With no poor people, there would be less crimes. With everyone having jobs and money there would be no good reason to steal or to commit any kinds of crimes. By enforcing this kind of rule the governor gives the society a chance to live a prosperous life.